{"id":1559,"date":"2026-04-08T13:00:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T10:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/?p=1559"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:00:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T10:00:47","slug":"how-to-dry-fresh-herbs-like-a-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/?p=1559","title":{"rendered":"How to dry fresh herbs like a pro\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"cb-itemprop\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Fresh herbs are fantastic. They add aroma and\u00a0flavour\u00a0to any dish, whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0the base of a sauce, tossed into a salad, or used as a garnish. Whether you have access to fresh bundles from your very own herb garden or from your local fruit and veggie grocer, storing fresh herbs can become tricky.<\/p>\n<p>Those bundles will last a good 3 to 4 days in the fridge, after which\u00a0they\u2019ll\u00a0start to lose their original\u00a0oompf\u00a0and, dare we say it, start to break down and go off. One way to combat this is to dry them.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s\u00a0a simple, minimal effort way to make herbs last longer without compromising much (sure, the vibrant\u00a0colours\u00a0fade, but the aroma and\u00a0flavour\u00a0still pack a punch!).\u00a0Here\u2019s\u00a0how to dry fresh herbs like a pro and keep your kitchen cupboards stocked.<\/p>\n<h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The best herbs for drying<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Rosemary\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Thyme\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sage\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Oregano\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Marjoram\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bay leaves\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tarragon\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Basil\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Parsley\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Coriander\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dill\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mint\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Chives\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lemon balm\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Fennel fronds\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">At-home methods for drying<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are four methods you can use to dry your fresh herbs. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All are <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">super<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> effective <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">with<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0similar results.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> The method you choose depends on your budget and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">how much<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> time you have available for this task.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">1. Dry herbs in the oven<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pros:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Produces even results; most people have an oven available to them; large space means you can dry out a few bunches at once\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cons:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">takes 1 to 3 hours; uses electricity; easily forgettable (no auto-stop, which can become hazardous)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Preheat the oven to 85\u00baC (or lower if your oven allows).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Line a baking sheet (or two, depending on the\u00a0amount\u00a0of herbs\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0drying) and evenly spread the herbs in a single layer.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Place the tray in the oven and leave it to dry out for 1 to 3 hours,\u00a0checking on\u00a0it every 20 to 30 minutes (in case\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0getting too crispy or burned). To help the moisture escape, prop open the oven door with a wooden spoon.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When the leaves crumble easily between your fingers,\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0ready.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Switch the oven off and open the door fully to cool down the\u00a0herbs, or\u00a0place them on a cooling rack.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Once fully cooled, store in an airtight, labelled container or jar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">2. Dry herbs in a food dehydrator<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pros:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">produces consistent results; has an auto-stop\/timer; includes many layers for dehydrating\u00a0large quantities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cons:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">this tool can be quite expensive; it<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">takes 2 to 4 hours\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spread herbs evenly on trays and slot them into the dehydrator. Ensure they are adequately spaced for even drying.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Set the dehydrator between 45\u00ba and 55\u00baC (or follow the instruction manual).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Leave to dry for 1 to 4 hours, checking every hour or so to make sure they\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0over-dry.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Once the herbs <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">easily<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> crumble between your fingers, switch off the heat source and allow them\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">fully<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> cool.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Store in an airtight, labelled container or jar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">3. Dry herbs in an air-fryer<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pros:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">air-fryers are compact and\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0take up much space; use less electricity than an oven or a dehydrator; have an auto-stop\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cons:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">without a specific \u201cdehydrate\u201d function; only has one level\/rack; resulting dried herbs could differ batch to batch\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Arrange herbs in <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">an even<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> single layer in the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">air-fryer<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> basket\/rack.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Choose the \u201cdehydrate\u201d\u00a0setting, or\u00a0set the temperature to between 45\u00ba and 90\u00baC.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Leave to dry for 2 to 4 hours, checking every 30 minutes to prevent clumping or burning<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, shaking<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the\u00a0basket\u00a0or <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">flipping<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the herbs halfway through.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When the leaves easily crumble between your fingers, allow them to cool completely.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Store in an airtight, labelled container or jar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">4. Dry herbs in the microwave<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pros:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">drying process takes 1 to 2 minutes max; uses minimal effort and electricity; great for drying small batches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cons:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">may produce varying results; lower-strength microwaves may take 2 to 4 minutes to dry herbs; need to repeat the process for larger batches, which becomes time-consuming\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Place dry herbs in a single layer on a paper towel placed on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a second layer of paper towel to prevent herbs from flying around during the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Microwave on high in short bursts \u2013 30 seconds at a time. Repeat 2 to 3 more times, or until the leaves easily crumble between your fingers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight, labelled container or jar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tips for success<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wash and thoroughly dry herbs before starting the drying process to rid them of any dirt or\u00a0pesky\u00a0bugs\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Use a higher temperature range for delicate herbs like parsley,\u00a0dill\u00a0and fennel\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Use a lower temperature range for woody herbs like rosemary,\u00a0sage\u00a0and thyme\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Herbs kept on the stem will take slightly longer to dry than destemmed herbs\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Use airtight containers for storage\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ensure you label batches:\u00a0dried herbs\u00a0last between 6 and 12 months\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Store dried herbs in a cool, dark cupboard\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-53323\" class=\"wp-image-53323 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-tara-winstead-6694158-copy-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"pexels-tara-winstead-6694158 copy\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-tara-winstead-6694158-copy-scaled.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-tara-winstead-6694158-copy-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-tara-winstead-6694158-copy-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-tara-winstead-6694158-copy-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-tara-winstead-6694158-copy-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pexels-tara-winstead-6694158-copy-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>ALSO SEE:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"MFWGlMac3B\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/gardening\/tips-on-using-colour-combinations-in-your-garden\/\">Tips on using\u00a0colour\u00a0combinations in your garden\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Compiled by: <a title=\"Posts by Annemieke van Nieuwkerk\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foodandhome.co.za\/author\/annemieke\" rel=\"author\">Annemieke van Nieuwkerk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>First published on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodandhome.co.za\/features\/how-to-dry-fresh-herbs-like-a-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Food and Home<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Feature Image: Pexels<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/gardening\/dry-fresh-herbs-like-pro\/\">How to dry fresh herbs like a pro\u00a0<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gardenandhome.co.za\/\">SA Garden and Home<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fresh herbs are fantastic. They add aroma and\u00a0flavour\u00a0to any dish, whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0the base of a sauce, tossed into a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1560,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1559"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1559"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1559\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tapyom.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}